Light source for use with scopes

ABSTRACT

A light source for use with a scope is provided. The scope includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, a light input port disposed on the body, a light output port disposed on the body and disposed distally of the light input port and a light transmission channel extending between the light input port and the light output port. The light source includes a housing including a light output port and a light source disposed within the housing. The housing is adapted to mount to the body of the scope to provide light to the scope.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/230,658, filed Sep. 7, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to light sources and, moreparticularly, to light sources for use with scopes.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] Scopes are known for use in peering into cavities that are notconveniently accessible. For example, endoscopes are known forvisualizing body parts within a human body cavity and within cavities ofother animals, and bore scopes are known for visualizing componentswithin cavities of machinery, such as aircraft engines. Whether for usein medical or non-medical fields, such scopes typically are eitherrigid, flexible or otherwise positionable.

[0006] An illustrative scope 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Scope 10 includes anelongated body 12 having a probe 14 on a distal end for insertion orprobing into a cavity 15 and an eyepiece 16 at the proximal end.Typically, the scope 10 can be used with a camera system (not shown)that attaches, through a coupler (not shown), to the eyepiece 16 andenables images to be captured. The body 12 may also include a light post18, in optical communication with a light transmission channel 19extending to the distal end 14, that is adapted to couple to a lightsource 20. The scope typically also includes a fiber optic cable (notshown) that is disposed internally within the light transmission channel19 and relays light from the light post 18 to the probe 14 to illuminatethe cavity 15.

[0007] The light source 20 typically is an expensive, heavy (e.g., 5pounds or more), bulky and cumbersome apparatus that must be pluggedinto a power outlet. The light source 20 has a relatively large lightbox 22 including, for example, a light bulb (not shown). Examples oftypical light bulbs include halogen or xenon light bulbs that generatesignificant heat. A fiber optic cable 24 is attached at one end to thelight box 22 and at another end to the light post 18 of the scope 10 viaa coupler 26. The fiber optic cable 24 transmits light from the lightbox 22 to the scope 10.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a scope and a lightsource assembly. The scope includes a body having a proximal end and adistal end, a light input port disposed on the body, a light output portdisposed on the body and disposed distally of the light input port and alight transmission channel extending between the light input port andthe light output port. The light source assembly includes a housinghaving a light output port. The housing is mounted to the body with thelight output port of the housing in optical communication with the lightinput port on the body. At least one light source is disposed within thehousing.

[0009] In another embodiment, a light source assembly for use with ascope is provided. The scope includes a body having a proximal end and adistal end, a light input port disposed on the body, a light output portdisposed on the body and disposed distally of the light input port and alight transmission channel extending between the light input port andthe light output port. The light source assembly includes a housinghaving an interface to mount the housing to the body of the scope. Thehousing further includes a light output port that is adapted to matewith the light input port on the body when the interface engages withthe body. The light source assembly also includes at least one lightsource disposed within the housing.

[0010] In another embodiment, a coupler for coupling a light sourceassembly to a scope is provided. The scope includes a body having aproximal end and a distal end, a light input port disposed on the body,a light output port disposed on the body and disposed distally of thelight input port, and a light transmission channel extending between thelight input port and the light output port. The light source assemblyincludes a housing having a light output port and at least one lightsource disposed within the housing. The coupler includes a coupler body,first and second interfaces formed on the coupler body, and a lighttransmission channel in optical communication with the first and secondinterfaces. The first interface is adapted to be mounted to the lightsource assembly and aligned with the light output port on the lightsource assembly. The second interface is adapted to be mounted to thescope and aligned with the light input port on the scope. Lighttransmission from the light source is transmitted to the scope throughthe interface.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a camera system for use with a lightsource assembly and a scope is provided. The scope includes a bodyhaving a proximal end and a distal end, a light input port disposed onthe body, a light output port disposed on the body and disposed distallyof the light input port and a light transmission channel extendingbetween the light input port and the light output port. The light sourceassembly includes a housing including a light output port and at leastone light source disposed within the housing. The camera system includesa camera and a camera controller, coupled to the camera, to control thecamera. The camera controller includes an interface adapted to furthercouple to the light source assembly. The camera controller further isadapted to control the light source assembly.

[0012] In another embodiment, a camera coupler for use with the scope isprovided. The scope includes a body having a proximal end and a distalend, a light input port disposed on the body, a light output portdisposed on the body and disposed distally of the light input port, alight transmission channel extending between the light input port andthe light output port, and a view port. The camera coupler includes acoupler body adapted to couple the camera to the view port and a lightsource assembly connected to the coupler body and adapted to couple withthe light input of the scope.

[0013] In still another embodiment, a method for providing light to ascope is provided. The method includes the act of providing a scopehaving a body, the body having a proximal end and a distal end, a lightinput port disposed on the body, a light output port disposed on thebody and disposed distally of the light input port and a lighttransmission channel extending between the light input port and thelight output port. The method also includes the acts of providing alight source assembly having a housing, including a light output port,and a light source disposed within the housing, and mating the lightsource assembly to the scope with the light output port of the lightsource assembly aligning with the light input port of the scope.

[0014] Various embodiments of the present invention provide certainadvantages and overcome certain drawbacks of prior light sources.Embodiments of the invention may not share the same advantages, andthose that do may not share them under all circumstances. This beingsaid, the present invention provides numerous advantages includingincreased portability and ease of use of the light source.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as wellas the structure of various embodiments, are described in detail belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art scope and light sourcesystem;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a scope with a light sourceassembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a scope with light source assemblyaccording to another embodiment of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a scope with light source assemblyaccording to yet another embodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a partially cut away perspective view of a light sourceassembly according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a camera assembly and light sourceassembly for use with a scope according to another embodiment of theinvention;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view of a coupler andimaging unit according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a partially cut away perspective view of the coupler andthe imaging unit shown in FIG. 7;

[0025]FIGS. 9a and 9 b are partially cut away perspective views of anillustrative focusing mechanism employed in the system of FIGS. 7-8;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a partially cut away perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the invention directed to an imaging system including anadapter that adapts a standard camera head to be mated with the couplershown in FIGS. 7-8;

[0027]FIG. 11 is a partially cut away perspective view of the adaptershown in FIG. 10; and

[0028]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a camera assembly and lightsource assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The Applicant has found certain disadvantages with prior artlight sources attached to scopes. For example, the typically long fiberoptic cable 24 shown in FIG. 1 impedes the maneuverability of the scope10 and mobility of the entire system, as the fiber optic cable maybecome entangled with itself or other objects as the scope is moved intoposition. Further, the relatively heavy and large light box isundesirable because of the need to carry it along and move it intovarious locations, resulting in a system that is not easily portable. Inaddition, power to the light box is provided through a conventionalpower cord that plugs into an electrical outlet, further resulting in asystem that is not easily portable. This is especially inconvenient whenused in conjunction with scopes for use in non-medical fields where thesystem may need to be carried around or be used in locations remote froma power outlet.

[0030] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a light source foruse with a scope. The light source may be mounted to the scope resultingin increased maneuverability of the scope and mobility of the entiresystem. The light source may be relatively light weight, enabling it tobe easily carried along and moved into various locations, resulting in asystem that is easily portable. In addition, the light source mayinclude a portable power source, thereby rendering the light sourcecordless, further resulting in a system that is easily portable. Thismay be especially convenient when used in conjunction with scopes foruse in non-medical fields where the system may need to be carried aroundor be used in locations remote from a power outlet. It is toappreciated, however, that the light source of the present invention maybe used with scopes for medical use as well as with scopes fornon-medical uses.

[0031] The light source assembly may be useful with scopes used tovisualize any number of objects such as engines and related components,including aircraft engines, ship engines, motor vehicle engines andturbine engines; structural components of vehicles, such as airframes,hulls, chassis and automobile frames and other such components; andfacilities, such as manufacturing plants, nuclear power plants, andbuildings and structures. Other applications for the scope include, butare not limited to, cargo inspecting by customs agents; searching by lawenforcement officials and military personnel; and imaging and inspectingfor the space industry, the entertainment sports and recreationindustry, and the medical field. Other applications will be readilyapparent to those of skill.

[0032] In one embodiment, a light source is directly coupled to thescope rather than through a fiber optic cable. This can be done innumerous ways. For example, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a lightsource assembly 30 includes a housing 32 that has a suitable lightsource 34 disposed therein. As used herein, light source means a devicethat actually generates light rather than convey light generated byanother device (e.g., the way a fiber optic cable conveys light). Thehousing 32 is configured to mate, via an aperture 36, with a light post18 of a conventional scope 10. In this manner, the light source assemblyis a stand-alone unit. The light source assembly may be removablyattached directly to any suitable scope, as depicted in FIG. 2, usingany suitable technique, such as screwing, snapping or merely resting onthe light post, as the present invention is not limited to anyparticular attachment techniques. Once the light source assembly iscoupled to the light post, light may be transmitted to the lighttransmission channel 19 of the scope 10. As discussed above, the lighttransmission channel may include a fiber optic cable or other suchmedium to transmit light through the scope. However the presentinvention is not limited in this respect. As such, the scope 10 mayemploy any suitable technique, such as fluids, lenses, prisms, mirrors,a hollow tube or other such channel, etc. to transmit light through thescope.

[0033] The light source assembly 30 may be adapted to transmit light ina manner that reduces or eliminates light from otherwise escaping thehousing. For example, the housing may be formed with an opaque material.Alternatively, the housing 32, or the light source 34, may include ashroud (not shown) that allows light to be transmitted in one or moredesired directions.

[0034] In one embodiment, the light source assembly 30 may be removablyattached to the scope through an interface or coupler 37, as shown inFIG. 3. The coupler may be used to so that the light source assembly 30may be attached to scopes having light posts of varying sizes orconfigurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the coupler 37 includesa body 38 having a first receptacle or interface 39 a on one end of thebody that can mate with the particular light post 18 employed on thescope 10. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the light post 18 is smallerthan the aperture 36. Another end of the coupler 37 includes a secondreceptacle or interface 39 b that can mate with the particular aperture36 employed on the light source assembly 30. The coupler may be attachedto the light post and aperture using any suitable technique, such asscrewing, snapping or merely resting thereon. A light transmissionchannel 41 that communicates with the receptacles 39 a and 39 b may beused to transmit light through the coupler 37 so that light may bereceived by the light post 18 from the light source assembly 30. Thelight transmission channel 41 can be implanted in any of a number ofways, such as with the use of fluids, lenses, prisms, mirrors, a hollowtube or other such channel to transmit light through the coupler.

[0035] It should be appreciated that although the coupler 37 is shownwith one receptacle being smaller than the other, the invention is notlimited in this respect. Rather, the coupler 37 may include any suitablysized or shaped receptacles, such that one receptacle can mate with thelight source assembly 30 and the other can mate with the light post.Also, although the coupler 37 is shown as having female receptacles, thepresent invention is not limited in this respect as other styles ofinterfaces may be employed.

[0036] In one embodiment, a plurality of couplers 37 may be provided,each configured to mate with a certain style scope 10. In this manner auser may have flexibility in selecting a particular scope without beinghindered by the configuration of the light source assembly or of thescope. Also, when a coupler 37 is employed, the light source assembly 30need not have an aperture 36 to mate with the light post 18. Rather, thecoupler 37 may be mated with the light source assembly in any suitablemanner.

[0037] As described above with respect to the light source assembly, thecoupler 37 may also cause light to be transmitted directly to the lightpost without otherwise allowing light to escape from the coupler. Thismay be accomplished in any suitable way including, for example, formingat least portions of the coupler with an opaque material or placing ashroud around at least a suitable portion of the coupler.

[0038] It should be appreciated that the present invention is notlimited to coupling the light source assembly directly or indirectly tothe scope. For example, a light source assembly 31 may be integrallyformed with the scope such that the scope and light source are suppliedas a single unit, as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the light source maybe a separate unit or it may be integrally formed with any othercomponent of the system, such as the camera or the coupler that couplesthe camera to the scope, as will be explained below.

[0039] The light source 34 within the light source assembly may be anysuitable light-emitting device as aspects of the present invention arenot limited in this manner. In one embodiment, the light source is oneor more (e.g., seven) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs may beadvantageous due to their low cost, low power consumption and low heatgeneration. Alternatively, halogen, xenon, incandescent or other lightsources may be used.

[0040] The housing 32 of the light source assembly may provide access tothe light source so that it can be replaced should it burn out. In oneembodiment, the housing 32 comprises a main body portion 32 a (see FIGS.2-3) and a removable cap 32 b. The cap 32 b may be threaded onto thebody portion 32 a, may be snapped onto the body portion 32 a, or mayemploy other suitable techniques for removably attaching the lid 32 b tothe body 32 a, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.Examples of other such techniques include employing hinges, latches,hook and loop fasteners, etc. Further, other suitable techniques forproviding access to the light source may be employed, such as a doorformed in the side of the housing 32, or a removable plug containing thelight source formed, e.g., at the rear of the housing.

[0041] When using a light source that generates significant heat, it maybe desirable to adequately vent the housing so that the light sourceassembly does not overheat, as it may be disposed adjacent other systemcomponents. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner, including,but not limited to convection or radiant cooling. In one embodiment,vents 43 are formed in the housing, as shown in FIG. 5. The vents allowair flow F through the housing 32 to cool the light source assembly. Inaddition, or in the alternative, a fan 45 may be used to actively coolthe light source assembly. The fan may be disposed within the housing,as shown, or may be placed outside the housing.

[0042] Power to the light source may be provided through conventionalpower cords, as some aspects of the invention are not limited in thisrespect. However, in one embodiment, power is provided via a portablepower source (e.g., a battery 47 in FIG. 4) to create a cordless,portable system. If the light source is powered by a battery or otherportable power source, the power source may be disposed within thehousing 32, as shown, contained within a power pack that can be attacheddirectly to the housing 32 or otherwise through an indirect connection,or disposed elsewhere in the system and coupled through a power cord, aswill be described below, still resulting in a cordless system. In thisrespect, reference to a cordless system means a power source, such thatplugging into a power outlet is not necessary, and does not preclude theuse of cords or connectors between the power source and the light sourceassembly or the use of an on-board power source.

[0043] The light source assembly 30 may communicate with a cameraassembly 50, also referred to as an imaging unit, through a cord 40, asshown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the camera assembly 50 isconfigured to mount to the scope 10 with or without a suitable couplingdevice, as will be explained below. The scope may include or otherwiseattach to a C, S, D, or V mount, or any other suitable mount, as thepresent invention is not limited in this respect. Power may be suppliedby the camera assembly to the light source assembly 30. With a cameraassembly that is portable and cordless, the entire system is portableand cordless, despite a cord between the camera assembly and the lightsource assembly.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to the details of the cameraassembly 50 and can be used with any camera, or with no camera. Atypical camera assembly 50 includes a housing 52 having a charge coupledevice 54 (CCD) disposed therein for converting images to digitalsignals. The CCD communicates with suitable electronics 56, which, inturn, relay the signals through connector portions 58 a and 58 b andcord 60 to a camera control unit 62. The camera may compensate for theintensity of light supplied by the light source with the use of anelectronic iris, as in conventional cameras for use with scopes. Thecamera control unit 62 may be used to control the camera in any suitablemanner. The camera control unit may also be used to display, transmitand/or store data and/or images to one or more local or remotelocations, as desired, for subsequent viewing and/or storage. The cameracontrol unit 62, which itself may be powered by one or more portablepower sources (e.g., batteries), may also supply power to both thecamera assembly 50 and, via cord 40, the light source assembly 30. Thecamera (e.g., the camera control unit 62) may control one or moreoperating characteristics of the light source (e.g., on/off, intensity).Alternatively, switching of the light source on or off or controllingthe intensity may be accomplished with one or more suitable switches 63(FIGS. 2-5) mounted on the housing 32 or elsewhere, as the presentinvention is not limited in this respect. For embodiments that are notportable, power may be supplied through conventional power cords, eitherdirectly to the light source assembly 30 or via the camera.

[0045] One example of an imaging system, including a camera assembly andscope, with which the light source assemblies of the present inventioncan be used will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7-11. However,it is to be appreciated that the light source assemblies of the presentinvention are not limited to use with this or any other particularcamera assembly and/or scope.

[0046]FIG. 7 is a partially cut away perspective view of an example ofan imaging system that may be used with the light source assemblies ofthe invention. As shown, the imaging system includes four primarycomponents, i.e., a scope 90, such as an endoscope, an imaging unit orcamera assembly 100, a coupler 120, which couples the scope 90 to theimaging unit 100, and a condom-like drape 400, which prevents theimaging unit 100 from contaminating a sterile operating field should thesystem be used in a medical application. The imaging system can beemployed with any type of image-producing scope, and is not limited touse with any particular type of scope.

[0047] As discussed in more detail below, in the exemplary imagingsystem shown in FIGS. 7-8, the condom-like drape 400 does not interceptthe optical viewing axis of the system. In addition, the condom-likedrape 400 does not cover a focusing mechanism 480 of the imaging system,making it easier to focus the system and lessening the likelihood thatthe drape 400 will be damaged due to manipulation of the focusingmechanism.

[0048] The lens for focusing the image from the endoscope to the imagingunit may be provided in the imaging unit 100, rather than in the coupler120. This is particularly advantageous because, as discussed in moredetail below, in the exemplary embodiment shown, a portion of thecoupler 120 is not separated from the scope 90 by the condom-like drape400, and therefore, is sterile in use. By removing the refractive lens200 from the coupler 120, the coupler 120 can be made significantly lessexpensively, thereby enabling the coupler 120 to be provided as adisposable part that need not be sterilized between uses. This isadvantageous because the sterilization of the devices can beinconvenient and time consuming.

[0049] The imaging unit 100 includes an image sensor 140 that senses animage along an imaging axis (not shown). When the imaging system isused, the coupler 120 is coupled between the eyepiece 95 of the scope 90and a distal end 660 of the imaging unit 100 such that the lens 200 isdisposed between the image sensor 140 and the eyepiece 95 to focus animage produced by the scope 90 onto the image sensor 140. The refractivelens 200 may be provided in the imaging unit 100, rather than in thecoupler 120. The coupler can be therefore made significantly lessexpensively, thereby enabling the coupler to be provided as a disposablepart that need not be sterilized between uses.

[0050] The image sensor 140 may, for example, include a charge-coupleddevice (CCD) as discussed above with reference to FIG. 6, or ametal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensor. It should be appreciated,however, that the present invention is not limited in this respect, andcan be employed with any type of image sensor 140. The image generatedby the image sensor 140 can be conveyed to a monitor 460 in any ofnumerous ways, and the present invention is not limited to anyparticular implementation. For example, the image sensor 140 may becoupled to circuitry 560 which can assist in converting an image sensedby the image sensor 140 into an electrical signal. This electricalsignal then may be transmitted (e.g., via cable 260) to the monitor 460or elsewhere for display to a user or may be otherwise processed and/orrecorded on a suitable medium. Alternatively, the image sensor 140 maycomprise a bundle of fiber optic cables which optically transmit animage from the lens 200 to a viewing device for display to a user. Thus,the image sensor 140 need not necessarily convert the image from scope90 into an electrical signal.

[0051] The imaging unit 100 is releasably mated with the coupler 120.This mating may be accomplished using any of a number of techniques.FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one technique that may be used to mate thesetwo components. In the particular implementation shown, to mate imagingunit 100 with coupler 120, a distal end 660 of the imaging unit 100 isinserted into an opening 880 at a proximal end 1100 of the coupler 120.As shown, the imaging unit 100 includes a button 580 which is pivotallyconnected, via a pin 820, to a body portion 180 of the imaging unit 100.The imaging unit 100 has a cavity 810 formed underneath the button 580and a spring 900, disposed in the cavity 810. Spring 900 biases thebutton 580 (in a clockwise direction in FIG. 7) about pin 820 so thatlocking member 600 is biased away from a surface 860 of body portion180. When a user pushes button 580 toward surface 860, however, spring900 is compressed so that button 580 moves in a counterclockwisedirection in FIG. 7 about pin 820 and locking member 600 moves towardsurface 860. Thus, when the button 580 is depressed and the distal end660 of the imaging unit is inserted into the opening 880 in the coupler120, the locking member 600 moves toward surface 860 so that it canslide over edge 1180 of the coupler 120. When the button 580 isreleased, the locking member 600 is biased (by spring 900) away fromsurface 860 and into a notch 620 in the coupler 120, and a shoulder 1160of imaging unit 100 contacts a shoulder 1140 of the coupler 120, therebyinterlocking the imaging unit 100 and the coupler 120. An indicationthat the distal end 660 of the imaging unit 100 is fully inserted intothe opening 880 is provided by the distal end 660 contacting a shoulder1120 of coupler 120. The imaging unit 100 and coupler 120 can beseparated by pushing button 580, which moves the locking member 600 outof the notch 620, and pulling the imaging unit 100 away from the coupler120. As mentioned above, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate only one example ofthe many ways that the imaging unit 100 and coupler 120 may be matedtogether.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the imaging unit 100 also includes ahandle 780 proximal to the body portion 180. The handle 780 may includegrooves 800 to make it easier for a user to grip the imaging unit 100though the drape 400 that can be extended over the imaging unit 100 in amanner described below.

[0053] The image sensor 140 and circuitry 560 may be mounted in the bodyportion 180 of the imaging unit 100 in any of a number of ways. Forexample, the image sensor 140 may be mounted via pins or screws 840 aand 840 b, and circuitry 560 may be mounted on a circuit board supportedwithin body portion 180. One or more wires (not shown) may be used tointerconnect the circuitry 560 with the cable 260.

[0054] It may be useful to enable the focal length between the imagesensor 140 and the lens 200 of imaging unit 100 to be adjusted. In thesystem shown in FIGS. 7-8, this is accomplished via a mechanism that isnot covered by the condom-like drape 400, thereby making it easier tofocus the system and lessening the likelihood that the drape 400 will bedamaged due to manipulation of the focusing mechanism. It should beappreciated, however, that the focal length adjustment can beaccomplished in any number of ways.

[0055] One example of a technique that is useful to perform the focallength adjustment is illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. In the embodiment shown,the refractive lens 200 is disposed in the imaging unit 100, rather thanin the coupler 120. Thus, the focusing mechanism includes elementsdisposed in the imaging unit 100, as well as in the coupler 120. Asmentioned above, placement of the lens 200 within the imaging unit 100,rather than in the coupler 120, provides at least one significantadvantage. That is, the cost of the coupler 120 may be reducedsignificantly below the cost of coupling devices that include lenses,thereby making it commercially practicable to use a new, sterile couplereach time the imaging system is used, rather than repeatedly sterilizingand reusing the same coupling device.

[0056] The distal end 660 of the imaging unit 100 includes a primarycylinder 760, in which a spring 680 and a cylindrical lens holder 220are disposed. Lens holder 220 supports the lens 200 in front of animaging axis of image sensor 140. Lens holder 220 (and lens 200) can bemoved within primary cylinder 760 either toward or away from distal end660 of the imaging unit 100 so as to adjust the focal length between theimage sensor 140 and the lens 200. Spring 680 biases lens holder 220toward distal end 660. The position of lens holder 220 within primarycylinder 760 can be adjusted, however, through manipulation of afocusing mechanism on the coupler 120 as discussed below.

[0057] The imaging unit 100 further includes an outer cylinder 720,including a spirally ramped upper edge 960, which surrounds the primarycylinder 760. Outer cylinder 720 is movable with respect to primarycylinder 760 either toward or away from the distal end 660 of imagingunit 100. Outer cylinder 720 is connected to the lens holder 220 via apin 700. Pin 700 extends through a slot 920 which extends a shortdistance along a length of the primary cylinder 760. Thus, lens holder220, outer cylinder 720 and pin 700 move as a single unit, with respectto primary cylinder 760, either toward or away from the distal end 660of imaging unit 100. The manner in which this unit interacts with thefocusing mechanism disposed on coupler 120 is described below inconnection with FIGS. 9a-9 b.

[0058]FIGS. 7 and 8 show an exemplary implementation of the coupler 120.The coupler 120 can be constructed in any of a number of ways to achievethe desired goal of enabling the imaging unit 100 to be coupled to thescope 90. In the implementation shown, the coupler 120 includes a mainbody 500 (including a proximal portion 500 a and a distal portion 500b), a focusing ring 480, a light-penetrable window 940, a scope mountingportion 420 (including inner ring 420 a and outer ring 420 b) and thecondom-like drape 400. The components constituting the main body 500,focusing ring 480 and scope-mounting portion 420 may be made of anysuitable material and may be affixed together in any suitable manner.For example, they may be plastic molded components affixed togetherusing an epoxy-based adhesive. When the coupler 120 is a disposabledevice, the coupler 120 is preferably formed from inexpensivecomponents.

[0059] The main body 500 may be formed by inserting the distal portion500 b within the focusing ring 480, and then affixing together theproximal and distal portions 500 a and 500 b. Scope mounting portion 420may be affixed to distal portion 500 b. Main body 500 has an outersurface 520 between a distal end 1080 and a proximal end 1100 of thecoupler 120. A channel 440 extends about a perimeter of the outersurface 520 between the focusing ring 480 and the proximal end 1100.

[0060] When the coupler 120 is used in a medical application, it isgenerally important that the environment to which the patient is exposedremains sterile. It is also desirable, however, to not have to sterilizethe imaging unit 100, thereby saving the time and expense ofsterilization, and avoiding restrictions on the manner in which theimaging unit be formed, since it need not be sterilizable. Therefore, asterile barrier may be established between the sterile operatingenvironment including the scope 90, and a non-sterile environmentincluding the imaging unit 100. In the system shown in FIGS. 7-8, such asterile barrier is established by coupling the distal end 660 of theimaging unit 100 to the coupler 120, and providing a hermetic sealbetween the components of the coupler 120 that separate the sterile andnon-sterile environments. A light-penetrable window 940 is hermeticallysealed between the distal end 1080 and the proximal end 1100 of thecoupler 120 to establish a sterile barrier therebetween. Window 940 maybe made of glass, plastic, or any other suitable material through whichlight can pass from the scope 90 to the image sensor 140 (via lens 200)to generate a suitable image.

[0061] As mentioned above, the coupler 120 also includes the condom-likedrape 400. The condom-like drape 400 may be made of any material that issuitable for creating a sterile barrier between a sterile environmentand a non-sterile environment. For example, the condom-like drape may bemade of a non-porous latex or plastic material. When the imaging unit100 is mated with the coupler 120, the drape 400 may be extended tocover some or all of imaging unit 100 and cable 260 (FIG. 2). Thecondom-like drape 400 may be hermetically sealed to the outer surface520 of coupler 120. It should be appreciated that in the implementationshown in the figures, when each of the components of the coupler 120 issterile, the hermetic seals between the main body portion 500 and thewindow 940 and drape 400 establish a sterile barrier between the scope90 and the imaging unit 100, with the main body portion 500 of thecoupler 120 itself forming a part of this sterile barrier. As comparedto other systems, in which a sterile barrier is formed only with a drapeand a window portion thereof and in which a coupling device is locatedentirely on the non-sterile side of this barrier, the system shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 is superior because scope 90 can mate directly with bodyportion 500 rather than requiring the drape to be interposed between thecoupling device and the endoscope.

[0062] In the system shown in the figures, the condom-like drape 400does not intercept the optical viewing axis 190 of the imaging system.As mentioned above, this is advantageous in that the drape 400 need notbe provided with a window that must be aligned with the optical viewingaxis 190, and the drape 400 does not interfere with the quality of theimage presented on the monitor 460. It should be appreciated that thefunction performed by the condom-like drape 400 can be achieved in anyof numerous ways. For example, a protective drape can be provided thatis more rigid than the condom-like drape 400 depicted in the drawings.

[0063] In the system shown in the drawings, the condom-like drape 400 issubstantially tubular in form and is open on its distal and proximalends. The distal end 210 of the condom-like drape 400 is attached to theouter surface 520 (within channel 440) of the coupler 120. As discussedabove, this attachment can be accomplished using a hermetic seal (e.g.,via an O-ring 540) to maintain the separation between the sterile andnon-sterile environments. The condom-like drape 400 can be provided in arolled-up form attached to the coupler 120. After the coupler 120 ismated with to the imaging unit 100 as described above, the condom-likedrape 400 can be unrolled to cover the non-sterile imaging unit 100. Byencompassing the outer surface 520 of coupler 120 with the opening atthe distal end 210 of the drape 400, the drape 400 can be used inconjunction with coupler 120 without requiring the user to align thedrape 400, or a window portion thereof, between the eyepiece 95 of thescope 90 and the coupler 120, and without having the drape 400 interceptthe optical viewing axis 190 of the imaging system.

[0064]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one example of a technique that may beused to mate the scope 90 with the coupler 120. It should be appreciatedthat numerous other suitable mating techniques can be employed. In thesystem shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the scope 90 is mated with the coupler120 by inserting the eyepiece 95 into an opening 380 at the distal end1080 of the coupler 120. Opening 380 may be formed by the inner andouter rings 420 a-420 b of the scope mounting portion 420. The inner andouter rings 420 a-420 b form equal diameter openings, and inner ring 420a is movable with respect to outer ring 420 b. A spring biases the innerring 420 a so that its center is forced to be offset from the center ofthe outer ring 420 b unless a user activates a lever (not shown) tocause the centers of the two rings to align with one another.

[0065] To mate the scope 90 with the coupler 120, the user activates thelever so that the centers of the rings 420 a-420 b align with oneanother and inserts the eyepiece 95 through both rings. The user thencan release the lever so that the spring (not shown) causes the centerof ring 420 a to become offset from the center of ring 420 b. Becausethe diameter of the eyepiece 95 is only slightly smaller than thediameter of each of rings 420 a and 420 b, when the centers of the ringsare offset from one another, the eyepiece 95 will be locked within thescope mounting portion 420 of the coupler 120. The eyepiece 95 may beseparated from the scope mounting portion 420 by pressing the lever torealign the centers of rings 420 a and 420 b and pulling the scope 90away from the coupler 120.

[0066] In the system of FIG. 7, the coupler 120 is shown as being mateddirectly with the eyepiece 95 of the scope 90. However, it should beappreciated that the scope 90 (or other image-producing scope) mayalternatively be mated indirectly with the coupler 120. For example, thescope 90 may be mated with the coupler 120 via one or more additionalcoupling devices.

[0067] As discussed above, using the system of FIGS. 7-9, the user candirectly manipulate a focusing mechanism without having to do so througha portion of a protective drape such as condom-like drape 400. Anyfocusing mechanism can be employed that serves to adjust the focallength between the lens 200 and image sensor 140 in the imaging unit100. In the exemplary system shown in FIGS. 7-9, a focusing ring 480 isprovided on the coupler 120 to perform this focal length adjustment. Thefocusing ring 480 is disposed distally of the distal end 210 of thecondom-like drape 400, so that after the drape 400 is extended to coversome or all of the imaging unit 100 and cable 260 (FIG. 7), the focusingring 480 is not covered by the drape 400 and may be manipulated by auser to adjust the focal length between the lens 200 and the imagesensor 140 without also having to manipulate the drape 400. Hence, thisfeature makes focusing ring 480 relatively easy for the user tomanipulate to achieve sharp focusing, and reduces the risk of damage todrape 400.

[0068] An illustrative example of a linkage assembly for mechanicallycoupling the focusing ring 480 on the coupler 120 to the imaging unit100 to adjust the focal length between the lens 200 and image sensor 140is shown in FIGS. 8, 9a and 9 b. It should be appreciated that numerousother implementations are possible. In the system shown, the distalportion 500 b of the main body portion 500 of coupler 120 has an annulargroove 1000. Annular groove 1000 may be covered by the focusing ring480, so that it is not visible from the outside of coupler 120. A finger980 extends inwardly from the focusing ring 480 through the annulargroove 1000, so that when the focusing ring 480 is rotated about themain body portion 500, finger 980 slides within the annular groove 1000.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 9a and 9 b, when the imaging unit 100 is matedwith the coupler 120, a lower surface 1200 of finger 980 contacts aportion of a spiraling ramp surface 960 on the outer cylinder 720. Asmentioned above, pin 700 may be connected between the outer cylinder 720and the cylindrical lens holder 220 through the slot 920, which extendsalong the length of the primary cylinder 760, so that the outer cylinder720 and lens holder 220 do not rotate with respect to the primarycylinder 760. The focusing ring 480, however, can rotate freely aboutthe primary cylinder 760, limited only by the movement of the finger 980within the annular groove 1000.

[0070] As the focusing ring 480 rotates with respect to the primarycylinder 760, a bottom surface 1200 of the finger 980 slides along thespiraling ramped surface 960. The spring 680 pushes upwardly on outercylinder 720 to keep a portion of the spiraling ramped upper surface 960in contact with bottom surface 1200 of the finger 980 at all times.Enough friction exists between the focusing ring 480 and the main body500 of the coupler 120 to prevent the spring 680 from rotating thefocusing ring 480 when it is not being manipulated by a user. Thisfriction makes the fine tuning of the focal length between the lens 200and image sensor 140 (using focusing ring 480) relatively easy toaccomplish.

[0071]FIGS. 9a and 9 b illustrate the focusing mechanism at its twoextreme focusing positions, with FIG. 9a illustrating the lens 200 atits closest position to the image sensor 140 and FIG. 9b illustratingthe lens 200 at its furthest position from the image sensor 140. Asshown in FIG. 9a, when the lens 200 is at its closest position to theimage sensor 140, the spring 680 is fully compressed, bottom surface1200 of finger 980 is in contact with a point 1060 near the top of thespiraling ramped surface 960, and the finger 980 is in a first positionwith respect to the primary cylinder 760. In contrast, as shown in FIG.9b, when the lens 200 is at its furthest position from the image sensor140, the spring 680 is fully extended, the bottom surface 1200 of finger980 is in contact with a point 1040 near the bottom of the spiralingramped surface 960, and the finger 980 is in a second position withrespect to the primary cylinder 760, which is on an opposite side fromthe first position (FIG. 9a).

[0072] It should be appreciated that the above-described system foradjusting the focal length between the image sensor 140 and the lens 200is only one example of the many possible systems that can achieve thisresult, as other implementations can alternatively be employed.

[0073] In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 7-8, the imaging unit 100includes a single body portion 180 in which both the image sensor 140(and associated circuitry 560) and the refractive lens 200 (andassociated components such as the lens holder 220, the spring 680, andthe cylinders 720 and 760) are disposed. It should be appreciated,however, that various components of the imaging unit 100 mayalternatively be distributed among two or more separate housings thatmay be mated together to form the imaging unit 100. An illustrativeexample of an imaging system configured in this manner is shown in FIGS.10 and 11. As shown in FIG. 10, the imaging unit 100 to be mated withthe coupler 120 may include a first housing 180 a in which therefractive lens (and associated components) is disposed, and a secondhousing 180 b in which the image sensor 140 (and associated circuitry(not shown)) is disposed.

[0074] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, thesecond housing 180 b is the housing of a camera head 100 b (e.g., astandard C-mount camera head), and the first housing 180 a is thehousing of an adapter 100 a for adapting the camera head 100 b for usewith the coupler 120. When the adapter 100 a is mated with the camerahead 100 b (as discussed below), the adapter 100 a and the camera head100 b together form a composite imaging unit 100 which is similar to theimaging unit 100 described above in connection with FIGS. 7-8. Althoughthe example shown in FIGS. 10-11 includes a C-mount camera head andadapter therefor, it should be appreciated that each of the housings 180a-180 b may take on any of a number of alternative forms. For example,the housing 180 b may alternatively be the housing of a standard V-mountcamera head, or any other device in which an image sensor is disposed,and the housing 180 a, may be configured to be mated with the same.

[0075] It should also be appreciated that the imaging unit 100 mayfurther include additional housings, including only one or two housings.For example, referring to the FIG. 10 system, the imaging unit 100 mayfurther include one or more housings disposed between the housings 180 aand 180 b or between the housing 180 a and the coupler 120. Such anadditional housing may exist, for example, in the form of a couplingdevice that couples together the housings 180 a and 180 b or the housing180 a and the coupler 120. It should be appreciated that the imagingunit actually employed may be any of numerous devices or combinations ofdevices capable of receiving an optical image along an imaging axis. Asused herein, the term “imaging unit” is not intended to be limiting.Rather, it is intended to refer to any device or combination of devicescapable of performing an imaging function.

[0076] Further, while in the systems of FIGS. 7-10 the coupler 120 isshown as being mated directly with the distal end 660 of the imagingunit 100, it should be appreciated that the imaging unit 100 mayalternatively be mated indirectly with the coupler 120. For example, theimaging unit 100, in whatever form, may be mated with the coupler 120via one or more additional coupling devices.

[0077] In the illustrative system shown in FIGS. 10-11, the operationalinterface between the adapter 100 a and the coupler 120 is identical inmost respects to the operational interface between the imaging unit 100and the coupler 120 described above in connection with FIGS. 7-9.Corresponding components in the two embodiments have therefore beenlabeled with identical reference numerals, and reference may be made tothe description of the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 for an in-depthunderstanding of the operational interface between the adapter 100 a andthe coupler 120 of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11.

[0078] As mentioned above, the camera head 100 b may, for example, be astandard C-mount camera head. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the camerahead 100 b may include a threaded, female connector 1280 formed at adistal end 1320 thereof. To permit the adapter 100 a to mate with theconnector 1280 of the camera head 100 b, the adapter 100 a may include athreaded, male connector 1260 formed at a proximal end 1360 thereof.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, the image sensor 140 may be disposedadjacent the distal end 1320 of the camera head 100 b so that, when themale connector 1260 of the adapter 100 a is threaded into the femaleconnector 1280 of the camera head 100 b, the image sensor 140 isdisposed adjacent an opening 1380 at the proximal end 1360 of theadapter 100 a. In the system of FIGS. 10-11, the image sensor 140 istherefore disposed further from the distal end 660 of the imaging unit100 than it is in the system of FIGS. 7-8. For this reason, in thesystem of FIGS. 10-11, an annular cavity 1220 is formed within thehousing 180 a to provide an optical pathway between the refractive lens200 and the image sensor 140 along which an image produced by the scope10 (FIG. 7) can be focused onto the image sensor 140 via the lens 200.The cavity 1220 may be formed, for example, by reducing a width of anannular shoulder 1340 (FIG. 11) supporting one end of the spring 680 tobe narrower than in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-8.

[0080] In addition, in the system of FIGS. 10-11, the button 580 isdisposed on the adapter 100 a of the imaging unit 100, and is thereforedisposed distally of the image sensor 140 in this system, rather thanproximally of the image sensor 140 as in the system of FIGS. 7-8. Asshown, to make the button 580 fit on the adapter 100 a, the button 580may be shortened as compared to the system of FIGS. 7-9. Additionally,the pin 820 about which the button 580 pivots may be disposed within asmall cavity 1240 adjacent the proximal end 1360 of the adapter 100 a,rather than being disposed proximally of the image sensor 140 as in thesystem of FIGS. 7-9. It should be appreciated, of course, that thebutton 580 and locking member 600 represent only one example of numerousmechanisms that can be used to interconnect the imaging unit 100 withthe coupler 120, and that the imaging unit 100 may be mated with thecoupler 120 in different ways. For example, the imaging unit 100 may notinclude a button such as the button 580 or a locking member such as thelocking member 600 at all, and may instead provide a different mechanismfor mating the imaging unit 100 with the coupler 120.

[0081] In light of the above description, it should be appreciated that,as far as the physical interface between the imaging unit 100 and thecoupler 120 is concerned, the imaging unit 100 that is formed when theadapter 100 a is mated with the camera head 100 b can be made identicalin all respects to the imaging unit 100 of embodiment of FIGS. 7-9.Additionally, by properly adjusting the refractive index of the lens 200to account for the increased distance between the distal end 660 and theimage sensor 140 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11 as compared to theembodiment of FIGS. 7-9, the imaging unit 100 of FIGS. 10-11 can also bemade to mimic the functional characteristics of the imaging unit 100 ofFIGS. 7-9 as well. The use of the adapter 100 a of FIGS. 10-11 thereforeenables a standard camera head (e.g., the camera head 100 b) to beadapted for use with the inventive coupler 120 described herein in thesame manner as in the embodiment of the imaging unit 100 described inconnection with FIGS. 7-9. Therefore, one already in possession of acamera head 100 b (e.g., a standard C-mount or V-mount camera head) maysimply purchase the adapter 100 a (which does not include an imagesensor) for use with the coupler 120, rather than purchasing the imagingunit 100 of FIGS. 7-9 (which additionally includes an image sensor) foruse therewith.

[0082] The adapter 100 a described herein is configured for use with aspecific type of coupler (i.e., the coupler 120). However, it should beappreciated that the adapter 100 a may alternatively be configured foruse with other types of devices or couplers.

[0083] In another variation, as shown in FIG. 12, the light sourceassembly 30 may be an integral part of a coupling device 70, such ascoupler 120 discussed with reference to FIGS. 7-11, used to couple thecamera assembly to the scope. The light source assembly may be attachedto the coupling device 70 via cord 40. The power source (e.g., battery)to the light source may be disposed within the coupling device.Alternatively, the coupling device may include a suitable connector sothat a power connection may be made between the light source assembly 30and the camera assembly 50.

[0084] The above-mentioned features of the present invention, whether inthe combinations described, or in other suitable combinations, provide anumber of advantages. For example, the present invention includes alight source assembly that is less than five pounds. Preferably, thelight source assembly is less than one pound. More preferably, the lightsource assembly is less than one-half pound and most preferably, lessthan one-quarter pound. With such a lightweight light source assembly,increased mobility and maneuverability, among other advantages, may beattained. Increased mobility and maneuverability, as well as otheradvantages, may also be attained with the use of a self-contained andother light source assemblies as described above.

[0085] It should be appreciated that various combinations of theabove-described embodiments of the present invention can be employedtogether, but each aspect of the present invention can be usedseparately. Therefore, although the specific embodiments disclosed inthe figures and described in detail employ particular combinations ofthe above-discussed features of the present invention, it should beappreciated that the present invention is not limited in this respect,as the various aspects of the present invention can be employedseparately, or in different combinations. Thus, the particularembodiments described in detail are provided for illustrative purposesonly.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a scope comprising: abody having a proximal end and a distal end; a light input port disposedon the body; a light output port disposed on the body and disposeddistally of the light input port; and a light transmission channelextending between the light input port and the light output port; and alight source assembly comprising: a housing including a light outputport, the housing being mounted to the body with the light output portof the housing in optical communication with the light input port on thebody; and at least one light source disposed within the housing.
 2. Thescope according to claim 1, wherein the housing is integrally formedwith the body of the scope.
 3. The scope according to claim 1, whereinthe at least one light source is selected from the group consisting ofany one or combination of light-emitting diodes, halogen bulbs, andxenon bulbs.
 4. The scope according to claim 1, wherein the at least onelight source comprises at least one light-emitting diode.
 5. The scopeaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one light-emitting sourcecomprises at least one incandescent light bulb.
 6. The scope accordingto claim 1, wherein the housing is vented.
 7. The scope according toclaim 1, wherein the light source assembly further comprises a fan tocool the light source assembly.
 8. The scope according to claim 1,wherein the housing is constructed and arranged to transmit lightdirectly to the light input port of the scope without allowing light tootherwise escape from the housing.
 9. The scope according to claim 1,wherein the housing includes at least one portion that is movable toprovide access to the light source to facilitate changing the lightsource.
 10. The scope according to claim 1, wherein the light sourceassembly is cordless.
 11. The scope according to claim 1, wherein thelight source assembly includes a battery that powers the at least onelight source.
 12. The scope according to claim 11, wherein the batteryis disposed within the housing.
 13. The scope according to claim 11,wherein the battery is disposed in a power pack that is separate fromthe housing.
 14. The scope according to claim 1, wherein the lightsource assembly further comprises a user interface coupled to the lightsource to selectively activate the light source.
 15. A light sourceassembly for use with a scope, the scope including a body having aproximal end and a distal end, a light input port disposed on the body,a light output port disposed on the body and disposed distally of thelight input port, and a light transmission channel extending between thelight input port and the light output port, the light source assemblycomprising: a housing including an interface to mount the housing to thebody of the scope, the housing further including a light output portthat is adapted to mate with the light input port on the body when theinterface engages with the body; and at least one light source disposedwithin the housing.
 16. The light source assembly according to claim 15,wherein the at least one light source is selected from the groupconsisting of any one or combination of light-emitting diodes, halogenbulbs, and xenon bulbs.
 17. The light source assembly according to claim15, wherein the at least one light source comprises at least onelight-emitting diode.
 18. The light source assembly according to claim15, wherein the at least one light source comprises at least oneincandescent light bulb.
 19. The light source assembly according toclaim 15, wherein the housing is vented.
 20. The light source assemblyaccording to claim 15, further comprising a fan to cool the light sourceassembly.
 21. The light source assembly according to claim 15, whereinthe housing is constructed and arranged to transmit light directly tothe light input port of the scope without allowing light to otherwiseescape from the housing.
 22. The light source assembly according toclaim 15, wherein the housing includes at least one portion that ismovable to provide access to the light source to facilitate changing thelight source.
 23. The light source assembly according to claim 15,wherein the light source assembly is cordless.
 24. The light sourceassembly according to claim 15, wherein the light source assemblyincludes a battery that powers the at least one light source.
 25. Thelight source assembly according to claim 24, wherein the battery isdisposed within the housing.
 26. The light source assembly according toclaim 24, wherein the battery is disposed in a power pack that isseparate from the housing.
 27. The light source assembly according toclaim 15, further comprising a user interface coupled to the lightsource to selectively activate the light source.
 28. The light sourceassembly according to claim 15, wherein the light source assembly isless than five pounds.
 29. The light source assembly according to claim28, wherein the light source assembly is less than one pound.
 30. Thelight source assembly according to claim 29, wherein the light sourceassembly is less than one-half pound.
 31. The light source assemblyaccording to claim 30, wherein the light source assembly is less thanone-quarter pound.
 32. A coupler for coupling a light source assembly toa scope, the scope including a body having a proximal end and a distalend, a light input port disposed on the body, a light output portdisposed on the body and disposed distally of the light input port, anda light transmission channel extending between the light input port andthe light output port, the light source assembly including a housinghaving a light output port, and at least one light source disposedwithin the housing, the coupler comprising: a coupler body; first andsecond interfaces formed on the coupler body; and a light transmissionchannel in optical communication with the first and second interfaces;wherein the first interface is adapted to be mounted to the light sourceassembly and align with the light output port on the light sourceassembly and wherein the second interface is adapted to be mounted tothe scope and align with the light input port on the scope such thatlight emission from the light source is transmitted to the scope throughthe interface.
 33. The coupler according to claim 32, in combinationwith the light source assembly.
 34. The coupler according to claim 32,in combination with the scope.
 35. The combination according to claim33, in combination with the scope.
 36. The combination according toclaim 33, wherein the at least one light source is selected from thegroup consisting of any one or combination of light-emitting diodes,halogen bulbs, and xenon bulbs.
 37. The combination according to claim33, wherein the at least one light source comprises at least onelight-emitting diode.
 38. The combination according to claim 33, whereinthe at least one light source comprises at least one incandescent lightbulb.
 39. The combination according to claim 33, wherein the housing isvented.
 40. The combination according to claim 33, wherein the lightsource assembly further comprises a fan to cool the light sourceassembly.
 41. The coupler according to claim 32, wherein the couplerbody is vented.
 42. The combination according to claim 33, wherein thelight source assembly further comprises a fan adapted to cool the lightsource assembly.
 43. The combination according to claim 33, wherein atleast one of the light source assembly and the coupler is constructedand arranged to transmit light directly to light input port of the scopewithout allowing light to otherwise escape from the at least one of thehousing and the coupler body.
 44. The coupler according to claim 32,wherein the coupler body is constructed and arranged to transmit lightfrom the light source assembly directly to the light input port of thescope without allowing light to otherwise escape from the coupler body.45. The combination according to claim 33, wherein the housing of thelight source assembly includes at least one portion that is movable toprovide access to the light source to facilitate changing the lightsource.
 46. The combination according to claim 33, wherein the lightsource assembly is cordless.
 47. The combination according to claim 33,wherein the light source assembly includes a battery that powers the atleast one light source.
 48. The combination according to claim 47,wherein the battery is disposed within the housing of the light sourceassembly.
 49. The combination according to claim 47, wherein the batteryis disposed in a power pack that is separate from the housing of thelight source assembly.
 50. The combination according to claim 33,wherein the light source assembly further comprises a user interfacecoupled to the light source to selectively activate the light source.51. The coupler according to claim 32, further comprising a power sourceadapted to power the light source assembly when the coupler is coupledto the light source assembly.
 52. The coupler according to claim 51,further comprising a user interface adapted to selectively activate thelight source.
 53. A camera system for use with a light source assemblyand a scope, the scope including a body having a proximal end and adistal end, a light input port disposed on the body, a light output portdisposed on the body and disposed distally of the light input port and alight transmission channel extending between the light input port andthe light output port, the light source assembly including a housing,having a light output port, and at least one light source disposedwithin the housing, the camera system comprising: a camera controller,coupled to the camera, to control the camera, the camera controllercomprising an interface adapted to further couple to the light sourceassembly, the controller adapted to control the light source assembly.54. The camera system according to claim 53, in combination with thelight source assembly.
 55. The camera system according to claim 53, incombination with the scope.
 56. The combination according to claim 54,in combination with the scope.
 57. The combination according to claim54, wherein the at least one light source is selected from the groupconsisting of any one or combination of light-emitting diodes, halogenbulbs, and xenon bulbs.
 58. The combination according to claim 54,wherein the at least one light source comprises at least onelight-emitting diode.
 59. The combination according to claim 54, whereinthe at least one light comprises at least one incandescent light bulb.60. The combination according to claim 54, wherein the housing of thelight source assembly is vented.
 61. The combination according to claim54, wherein the light source assembly further comprises a fan to coolthe light source assembly.
 62. The combination according to claim 54,wherein the housing of the light source assembly is constructed andarranged to transmit light directly to the light input port of the scopewithout allowing light to otherwise escape from the housing.
 63. Thecombination according to claim 54, wherein the housing of the lightsource assembly includes at least one portion that is movable to provideaccess to the light source to facilitate changing the light source. 64.The combination according to claim 54, wherein the light source assemblyincludes a battery that powers the at least one light source.
 65. Thecombination according to claim 64, wherein the battery is disposedwithin the housing of the light source assembly.
 66. The camera systemaccording to claim 53, further comprising a power source adapted topower the light source assembly.
 67. The camera system according toclaim 53, wherein the camera system is cordless.
 68. The camera systemaccording to claim 53, wherein the camera comprises a charge coupledevice.
 69. The camera system according to claim 53, wherein the cameracontroller is disposed outside the camera body.
 70. The camera systemaccording to claim 53, wherein the camera controller is adapted to atleast one of display, store and transmit data or images.
 71. A cameracoupler for use with a scope, the scope including a body having aproximal end and a distal end, a light input port disposed on the body,a light output port disposed on the body and disposed distally of thelight input port, a light transmission channel extending between thelight input port and the light output port, and a view port, the cameracoupler comprising: a coupler body adapted to couple the camera to theview port; and a light source assembly connected to the coupler body andbeing adapted to couple with the light input port of the scope.
 72. Thecamera coupler according to claim 71, wherein the light source assemblyincludes a housing having a light output port and at least one lightsource disposed within the housing.
 73. The camera coupler according toclaim 71, in combination with the scope.
 74. The combination accordingto claim 72, in combination with the scope.
 75. The combinationaccording to claim 72, wherein the at least one light source is selectedfrom the group consisting of any one or combination of light-emittingdiodes, halogen bulbs, and xenon bulbs.
 76. The combination according toclaim 72, wherein the at least one light source comprises at least onelight-emitting diode.
 77. The combination according to claim 72, whereinthe at least one light source comprises at least one incandescent lightbulb.
 78. The combination according to claim 72, wherein the housing ofthe light source assembly is vented.
 79. The combination according toclaim 72, wherein the light source assembly further comprises a fan tocool the light source assembly.
 80. The combination according to claim72, wherein the housing is constructed and arranged to transmit lightdirectly to the light input port of the scope without allowing light tootherwise escape from the housing.
 81. The combination according toclaim 72, wherein the housing includes at least one portion that ismovable to provide access to the light source to facilitate changing thelight source.
 82. The combination according to claim 72, wherein thelight source assembly includes a battery that powers the at least onelight source.
 83. The combination according to claim 82, wherein thebattery is disposed within the housing.
 84. The camera coupler accordingto claim 71, further comprising a power source adapted to power thelight source assembly.
 85. The camera coupler according to claim 84,wherein the power source is a battery.
 86. The camera coupler accordingto claim 84, further comprising a cord connection between the couplerbody and the light source assembly.
 87. The combination according toclaim 72, further comprising a battery disposed within the coupler bodyand a cord connection disposed between the coupler and the light sourceassembly for delivering power from the battery to the light source. 88.A method for providing light to a scope, the method comprising the actsof: providing a scope having a body, the body having a proximal end anda distal end, a light input port disposed on the body, a light outputport disposed on the body and disposed distally of the light input portand a light transmission channel extending between the light input portand the light output port; providing a light source assembly having ahousing, including a light output port, and a light source disposedwithin the housing; and mating the light source assembly to the scope,with the light output port of the light source assembly aligning withthe light input port of the scope.
 89. The method according to claim 88,further comprising the act of powering the light source with a battery.90. The method according to claim 88, further comprising the act oftransmitting light from the light source directly to the scope withoutallowing any light to otherwise escape from the housing of the lightsource assembly.
 91. The method according to claim 88, furthercomprising the act of cooling the light source assembly.
 92. The methodaccording to claim 88, wherein the act of mating the light sourceassembly to the scope comprises the act of integrally forming the lightsource assembly with the scope.
 93. The method according to claim 88,wherein the act of mating the light source assembly to the scopecomprises the act of mounting a coupler between the light sourceassembly and the scope.
 94. The method according to claim 88, furthercomprising the act of coupling a camera system, having a camera and acamera controller, to the light source assembly.
 95. The methodaccording to claim 94, further comprising the act of controlling thelight source with the camera controller.
 96. The method according toclaim 95, wherein the act of controlling the light source furthercomprises the act of selectively activating the light source.